About San Marcos Housing Authority

The San Marcos Housing Authority (SMHA), located in San Marcos, Hays County, Texas, provides housing assistance for low-income families, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities. SMHA manages approximately 556 assisted housing units, which include 267 Housing Choice Vouchers and 289 Public Housing units.

Currently, SMHA offers several open programs. These include various Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) programs, such as the Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which recently became open for applications. Elderly/Disabled Housing options are also open, with specific units available at Springtown Villa. While Public Housing programs are currently listed as opening soon, applicants should verify the latest status directly with SMHA.

Eligibility for SMHA programs is primarily based on income and household size. For instance, a family of four applying for Very Low Income assistance in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA area faces an income limit of $66,900 per year. Interested individuals should contact the housing authority for detailed program requirements and application procedures.

Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Applications are being accepted for 3 and 4-bedroom units; applicants must be motivated to succeed and preference is given to Hays County residents.

Elderly/Disabled Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Springtown Villa offers 1 and 2-bedroom units for elderly or disabled applicants.

Elderly/Disabled Housing (Springtown Villa) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This program offers 1 and 2-bedroom units for elderly or disabled applicants.

FSS Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program is accepting applications for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units. Applicants must be motivated to succeed, and preference is given to Hays County residents.

FSS (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person

Additional Notes

Accepting 3 and 4-bedroom applications at Chapultepec Homes; preference is given to Hays County residents, including those who live or work in San Marcos.

Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec FSS) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

This program offers 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units. Applicants must be motivated to succeed.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online (download) and In-person

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Preference is given to applicants who live or work in Hays County, including those who live or work in San Marcos or have accepted a job in San Marcos.

Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled Only) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This program offers 1 and 2-bedroom units for elderly or disabled applicants. Applications can be mailed or picked up from the office after calling for instructions.

Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Phone, In-person, Mail

Additional Notes

Applicants must be elderly or disabled. Applications can be mailed upon request or picked up at the office.

Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled Housing) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This program offers 1 and 2-bedroom units specifically for elderly or disabled applicants; applications can be obtained by calling 512-396-3363 or picked up/mailed from 503 Springtown Way.

Other Programs

7 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec)
Closed

The waiting list for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units is closed. Applicants must be motivated to succeed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)
Closed

Preference is given to Hays County residents, including those who live or work in San Marcos; applicants must be motivated to succeed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Family Self-Sufficiency Program (Chapultepec)
Closed

Applications are not currently being accepted for the Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The San Marcos Housing Authority is not accepting applications for the Housing Choice Voucher program at this time.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other
Closed

The Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency waiting list is for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
Other (Family Self-Sufficiency)
Closed

This waiting list is for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments at Chapultepec Homes.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency waiting list for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments is closed. When open, applications could be printed or picked up from the Chapultepec Homes office.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Status History

Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program Opened 4 days ago
Public Housing Opening Soon Mar 27, 2026
Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled Only) Opened Mar 19, 2026
Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program Closed Mar 12, 2026
Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program Opened Mar 2, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 19, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 18, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official San Marcos Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 1201 Thorpe Ln
City San Marcos, TX 78666
PHA Code TX087
Section 8 Units 267
Public Housing Units 289

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at San Marcos Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

San Marcos Housing Authority currently has 10 open waiting lists (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program, Elderly/Disabled Housing, Elderly/Disabled Housing (Springtown Villa), FSS, FSS (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program), Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec FSS), Public Housing, Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled Only), Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled), Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled Housing)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at San Marcos Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $66,900/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official San Marcos Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at San Marcos Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. San Marcos Housing Authority manages approximately 556 assisted housing units (267 Section 8, 289 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in San Marcos. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at San Marcos Housing Authority

Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program open

The Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Elderly/Disabled Housing open

The Elderly/Disabled Housing program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Elderly/Disabled Housing (Springtown Villa) open

The Elderly/Disabled Housing (Springtown Villa) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

FSS open

The FSS program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

FSS (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program) open

The FSS (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec FSS) open

The Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec FSS) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at San Marcos Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. San Marcos Housing Authority manages approximately 289 Public Housing units in San Marcos. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled Only) open

The Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled Only) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled) open

The Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled Housing) open

The Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled Housing) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec) closed

The Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) closed

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Family Self-Sufficiency Program (Chapultepec) closed

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (Chapultepec) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for San Marcos. This program serves approximately 267 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Other closed

The Other program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other (Family Self-Sufficiency) closed

The Other (Family Self-Sufficiency) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at San Marcos Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in San Marcos. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at San Marcos Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. San Marcos Housing Authority administers 17 programs (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program, Elderly/Disabled Housing, Elderly/Disabled Housing (Springtown Villa), FSS, FSS (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program), Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec FSS), Public Housing, Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled Only), Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled), Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled Housing), Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec), Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Family Self-Sufficiency Program (Chapultepec), HCV, Other, Other (Family Self-Sufficiency), PBV) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 1201 Thorpe Ln, San Marcos, TX.
How long is the wait at San Marcos Housing Authority?
Wait times at San Marcos Housing Authority depend on demand in San Marcos, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 556 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 3, 2026 when the Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact San Marcos Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of San Marcos Housing Authority, including Kyle Housing Authority (7 mi), Lockhart Housing Authority (14 mi), New Braunfels Housing Authority (18 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Texas and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Texas.
How do I contact San Marcos Housing Authority?
You can reach San Marcos Housing Authority by phone at (512) 353-5058. Their office is located at 1201 Thorpe Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666. You can also email them at lana@smpha.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for San Marcos Housing Authority?
Income limits for San Marcos Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA (currently $133,800). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $66,900. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

San Marcos Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the San Marcos Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $66,900. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $28,150 $46,850 $72,950
2 Persons $32,150 $53,550 $83,400
3 Persons $36,150 $60,250 $93,800
4 Persons $40,150 $66,900 $104,200
5 Persons $43,400 $72,300 $112,550
6 Persons $46,600 $77,650 $120,900
7 Persons $49,800 $83,000 $129,250
8 Persons $54,150 $88,350 $137,550
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $133,800 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.